559. "Slip of the Tongue" July 10, 2012
1 Peter 2-Part 7
Submit yourselves to every ordinace of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. 1 Peter 2:13-16
LET IT GLOW
For goodness sake, for heaven's sake-how many times have I heard those phrases? Mom used to say them. I never heard her say one cuss word in all my growing up years and adult years. I only heard Dad say one, when we were doctoring cows and a cow was kicking, which made it difficult to give her a shot. I think that's a good record, considering there were lots of frustrating times which could merit a slip of the tongue.
How's my tongue doing? Do I let words slip out when little ears are around? Unfortunately, in my younger years, I was know as "Linda Darn It" because it was always coming out of my mouth when I was upset. Finally, I quite saying the expression. (A cousin with the same name was know as "Linda Dang It".) That's not a good identity, is it?
What is Peter saying in our verses today?
For the Lord's sake-so that God will be honored and glorified.
It is God's will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you. For you are free, yet you are God's slaves, so don't use your freedom as an excuse to do evil. (NLT)
Am I aware that others around me may judge me as bad if I let words slip out that dishonor my Lord? I need to be sure that I watch it. Don't let a slip of my tongue cause me to loose respect in others eyes.
LET IT GROW
I am to:
1. Submit to every ordinance of man. Submit means to obey, be subject (Thayer's Lexicon); to yield, according to Webster's Dictionary. Do I obey every human institution, laws of the land, so the Lord Jesus is honored? Better yet, do I submit to my own husband, and authorites in my church? Bring it on down-do I submit to God's Word? If I am not submitting, then am I rebelling? God's Word tells children to submit to parents, servants to masters, and wives to husbands. God allows people to be in office. Do I pray for them as they lead?
"There are times when government is itself in violation of the power and authority given by God and contrary to Scripture, when the Christian must not submit (Acts 5:29)," states The MacArthur Bible Commentary.
Peter said that we ought to obey God rather than men. When a law is condictory to God's Law, then we are to obey God. Daniel did by continuing to pray to God three times a day with his window open, even though the law said to only pray to the king as god. We know how that situation turned out. God shut the lions' mouths.
Those four Hebrew boys served God by eating vegetables. Isn't that something? Am I willing to do the same?
2. Respect human authority, the king or his officials.
3. Use my freedom as a servant of God; love the brotherhood.
4. Respect their position, though we may not agree with their
politics or their practices. (Romans 13)
5. Practice responsible citizenship, thus commending Jesus'
lordship.
God has established the home, human government, and the church, so He has the right to tell us how these institutions should be run. God wants each of us to exercise authority, but before we can exercise authority, we must be under authority. God has willed that we silence the critics by doing good, not by opposing the authority. (Wiersbe)
LET IT GO
No rebellion, just submission.
Obey laws of the land when not contrary to God's laws.
Drive the speed limit, stop at stop signs, and yield on yellow lights.
Honor my Lord Jesus.
Watch my words.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Monday, July 9, 2012
A Cozy Place
558. "A Cozy Place"
July 9, 2012
1 Peter 2-Part 6
Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. 1 Peter 2:11-12
LET IT GLOW
One summer, we took children with us to a camp in New Mexico. We had a family cabin rented where all four of us stayed. My husband and I attended training conferences while our two kids attended VBS type meetings. I tried to make it a cozy place for us to live for a week. I cooked the same meals we had back home. They slept with their comforting animals. Friends, Peter warns us not to make this world a cozy place because we are only traveling through this world, as believers in Jesus. Let's check out our key verses.
Peter is writing to us as friends, dearly beloved of God, His dear children.
He uses the word beseech, which denotes encouragement, and better translated as "My dear people, let me encourage you..." (Falwell)
Peter calls us strangers and pilgrims in this world. We are "resident aliens" who haave our citizenship in another country-heaven. we are temporary in this life, traveling toward the heavenly city (Heb. 11:8-16). (Wiersbe)
Life on earth, for a Christian, is like temporarily living in a foreign country. This is not our permanent home or final destination. You're just passing through, just visiting earth. Real believers understand that there is far more to life than just the few years we live on this planet. Your identity is in eternity, and your homeland is heaven. We are Christ's ambassadors (2Cor. 5:20).
(Rick Warren)
Friends, this world is not your home, so don't make yourselves cozy in it. Don't indulge your ego at the expense of your soul. (The Message)
Life is a test, a trust, and a temporary assignment so the appeal of things better loose their grip on our lives. (Warren)
LET IT GROW
Peter exhorts me to:
Christians must outwardly live among non-Christians in a way which reflects that inward discipline. (MacArthur)
Your time on earth is not the complete story of your life. You must wait until heaven for the rest of the chapters. It takes faith to live on earth as a foreigner. (Warren)
LET IT GO
Remember I am loved by God.
Don't get too cozy in this world.
Abstain from fleshly lusts.
Speak honestly.
Glorify God with my good works.
July 9, 2012
1 Peter 2-Part 6
Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. 1 Peter 2:11-12
LET IT GLOW
One summer, we took children with us to a camp in New Mexico. We had a family cabin rented where all four of us stayed. My husband and I attended training conferences while our two kids attended VBS type meetings. I tried to make it a cozy place for us to live for a week. I cooked the same meals we had back home. They slept with their comforting animals. Friends, Peter warns us not to make this world a cozy place because we are only traveling through this world, as believers in Jesus. Let's check out our key verses.
Peter is writing to us as friends, dearly beloved of God, His dear children.
He uses the word beseech, which denotes encouragement, and better translated as "My dear people, let me encourage you..." (Falwell)
Peter calls us strangers and pilgrims in this world. We are "resident aliens" who haave our citizenship in another country-heaven. we are temporary in this life, traveling toward the heavenly city (Heb. 11:8-16). (Wiersbe)
Life on earth, for a Christian, is like temporarily living in a foreign country. This is not our permanent home or final destination. You're just passing through, just visiting earth. Real believers understand that there is far more to life than just the few years we live on this planet. Your identity is in eternity, and your homeland is heaven. We are Christ's ambassadors (2Cor. 5:20).
(Rick Warren)
Friends, this world is not your home, so don't make yourselves cozy in it. Don't indulge your ego at the expense of your soul. (The Message)
Life is a test, a trust, and a temporary assignment so the appeal of things better loose their grip on our lives. (Warren)
LET IT GROW
Peter exhorts me to:
- abstain from fleshly lusts because I are in a constant battle against the soul (Gal. 5:24);
- maintain good conduct among the Gentiles (conversation refers to conduct); honesty and good conduct are to by my whole life;
- make sure my good works glorify God on the day of judgment.
Christians must outwardly live among non-Christians in a way which reflects that inward discipline. (MacArthur)
Your time on earth is not the complete story of your life. You must wait until heaven for the rest of the chapters. It takes faith to live on earth as a foreigner. (Warren)
LET IT GO
Remember I am loved by God.
Don't get too cozy in this world.
Abstain from fleshly lusts.
Speak honestly.
Glorify God with my good works.
Friday, July 6, 2012
Legacy of Love
557. "Legacy of Love" July 6, 2012
1 Peter 2-Part 5
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people: that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. 1 Peter 2:9-10
LET IT GLOW
For those who are new comers in reading my blog: I write these posts as a legacy to leave my children and grandchildren, showing how God has worked in my life, applying His Word to me. That is why I am writing in the first person, using "I" so much. It isn't that I am so self-centered, but perhaps as you read it, you can apply it to yourself also. I just wanted to explain. Thanks for your patiece.
Comments are welcome, friends, so feel free to add anytime. We can have a different perspective.
What am I? When my great-great-grandchildren look at my picture and writings, what will they know about my life, my faith? Will they find Jesus there? Oh, how I pray they will!
My answers can be the generic-wife, mother, grandmother, friend, sister, aunt. But do people recognize me as a Christian? Does my face show it? Do they hear my faith in my words? Do they see the love of the Savior in my deeds? Not always, so I have work to do. I want to leave a legacy of love.
What does Peter say I am, we are as believers in Christ?
As a church and as individuals, we are the "spiritual Israel" through the new birth. Because Christ is their King and Priest, believers are a royal priesthood. The "spiritual Israel" of believers are God's own possession. Peter used three images to describe the church: a living body, a building, and a nation. The church built on the Living Stone, Jesus Christ, produces spiritual sacrifices and reflects the glories of God. (Shepherd's Notes)
If there is a need in my life, I don't have to go through a priest in order to hear from King Jesus. I have direct access to Him as a royal priesthood. Am I interceeding for others, taking their needs to the King?
LET IT GROW
Am I showing forth the praises of Him who called me out of darkness into His marvellous light?
Show forth (exangello in Greek), means to tellout, and refers to the preaching of the gospel, the good news, or praises of God. Christ is the "Light of the World," found in Isaiah 9:2. (Liberty Bible Commentary)
Jesus sent Paul to the Gentiles as a witness to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. (Acts 26:18)
I am so grateful that His mercy is shown to me, a Gentile. How can we but praise God!
LET IT GO
Remember that I am a chosen, peculiar person, child of God, priest, who has obtained God's mercy.
Act like it!
Thank You Jesus for Your love, salvation, and plans.
Extend my prayer list.
1 Peter 2-Part 5
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people: that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. 1 Peter 2:9-10
LET IT GLOW
For those who are new comers in reading my blog: I write these posts as a legacy to leave my children and grandchildren, showing how God has worked in my life, applying His Word to me. That is why I am writing in the first person, using "I" so much. It isn't that I am so self-centered, but perhaps as you read it, you can apply it to yourself also. I just wanted to explain. Thanks for your patiece.
Comments are welcome, friends, so feel free to add anytime. We can have a different perspective.
What am I? When my great-great-grandchildren look at my picture and writings, what will they know about my life, my faith? Will they find Jesus there? Oh, how I pray they will!
My answers can be the generic-wife, mother, grandmother, friend, sister, aunt. But do people recognize me as a Christian? Does my face show it? Do they hear my faith in my words? Do they see the love of the Savior in my deeds? Not always, so I have work to do. I want to leave a legacy of love.
What does Peter say I am, we are as believers in Christ?
- a chosen generation,
- a royal priesthood,
- a holy nation,
- a peculiar people,
- the people of God,
- obtained mercy.
As a church and as individuals, we are the "spiritual Israel" through the new birth. Because Christ is their King and Priest, believers are a royal priesthood. The "spiritual Israel" of believers are God's own possession. Peter used three images to describe the church: a living body, a building, and a nation. The church built on the Living Stone, Jesus Christ, produces spiritual sacrifices and reflects the glories of God. (Shepherd's Notes)
The MacArthur Bible Commentary says:Christians are chosen by God to salvation. A royal preisthood is not only a priesthood that belongs to and serves the king, but is also a priesthood which exercises rule. This will ultimately be fulfilled in Christ's future kingdom (1 Cor. 6:1-4). Until Israel's future aceptance of its Messiah, Jesus Christ, God has replaced the nation with the church. We are His special people. We proclaim His praises. Proclaim, found no other place in the NT, means to tell forth, to tell something not otherwise known. Praises are excellencies, virtues, eminent qualities. We, Jews and Gentiles, now have obtained mercy. God has eternal mercy on His elect church by forgiving their sins and eliminating their judgment. (Hosea 1:6-10) Believers have been brought under the mercy of God by faith in Christ, under the New Covenant. (Eph. 2:4-13)
If there is a need in my life, I don't have to go through a priest in order to hear from King Jesus. I have direct access to Him as a royal priesthood. Am I interceeding for others, taking their needs to the King?
LET IT GROW
Am I showing forth the praises of Him who called me out of darkness into His marvellous light?
Show forth (exangello in Greek), means to tellout, and refers to the preaching of the gospel, the good news, or praises of God. Christ is the "Light of the World," found in Isaiah 9:2. (Liberty Bible Commentary)
Jesus sent Paul to the Gentiles as a witness to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. (Acts 26:18)
I am so grateful that His mercy is shown to me, a Gentile. How can we but praise God!
LET IT GO
Remember that I am a chosen, peculiar person, child of God, priest, who has obtained God's mercy.
Act like it!
Thank You Jesus for Your love, salvation, and plans.
Extend my prayer list.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
What is Precious to Me?
556. "What is Precious to Me?" July 5, 2012
1 Peter 2-Part 4
Unto you therefore which believe He is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. 1 Peter 2:7-8
LET IT GLOW
What is precious to me? What is precious to you? What do I spend my time, money, efforts, energy on? Of course I would answer family, friends, God's Word, Jesus, in various order at different times of the day. Really, though, what is most precious to me? If the house caught on fire, what would I make sure was out of the house, safe? My family and Bible are my truthful answers. Then my purse, which I would have to look for because I don't put it in the same place any given day. Pictures of family gone on. The list could go on and on.
What does Peter describe as precious? The NIV says, Now to you who believe, this stone is precious...
Precious means of great value; held in great esteem, dear, according to Webster's Dictionary.
Precious, in this verse, means praise of which one is judged worthy, according to Thayer's Lexicon.
Is Jesus precious to me?
Is He dear to me?
Do I always esteem Him above all else?
How much do I count Jesus worthy of my praise?
How dear is Jesus to me?
Is He so dear that I can't live without Him, without talking to Him throughout the day, without praising and thanking Him for His daily gifts, without loving Him and spending time with Him?
Things to ponder. He deserves to be number 1 in my life.
LET IT GROW
Christianity is a matter of one's attitude toward Jesus Christ. This choice stone, Jesus Christ, is valuable in that we honor, respect, and worship Him. He is the Chief Cornerstone and foundation of salvation for some. (Falwell)
He is the foundation of salvation. I like that, Brother Falwell.
To unbelievers, Jesus:
Their feet strike against it, the Rock Jesus, because they are disobedient to God's message.
Christ is like a stone in the road that causes a traveler to fall. Unbelief is their disobedience, since the call of the gospel to repent and believe is a command from God. These were appointed to doom because of their disobedience and unbelief. Judgment on unbelief is as divinely appointed as salvation by faith. (MacArthur)
Am I helping others stop stumbling around and come to Jesus in repentance?
A I stumbling in my Christian walk because I am not obeying God's Word?
Is His Word offensive to me, so I don't read it nor apply it?
Do I pick and choose what part of the Christian path I want to walk on-promises, grace, mercy, yet don't give it to others?
Yes, His Word is a two-edged sword, cutting my soul to the quick.
LET IT GO
Be sure Jesus is the most precious thing to me.
Help others to not stumble over Jesus, but bring them to salvation in Him.
Make sure my words and actions do not cause people to stumble and prevent them from coming to Jesus because of my life.
1 Peter 2-Part 4
Unto you therefore which believe He is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. 1 Peter 2:7-8
LET IT GLOW
What is precious to me? What is precious to you? What do I spend my time, money, efforts, energy on? Of course I would answer family, friends, God's Word, Jesus, in various order at different times of the day. Really, though, what is most precious to me? If the house caught on fire, what would I make sure was out of the house, safe? My family and Bible are my truthful answers. Then my purse, which I would have to look for because I don't put it in the same place any given day. Pictures of family gone on. The list could go on and on.
What does Peter describe as precious? The NIV says, Now to you who believe, this stone is precious...
Precious means of great value; held in great esteem, dear, according to Webster's Dictionary.
Precious, in this verse, means praise of which one is judged worthy, according to Thayer's Lexicon.
Is Jesus precious to me?
Is He dear to me?
Do I always esteem Him above all else?
How much do I count Jesus worthy of my praise?
How dear is Jesus to me?
Is He so dear that I can't live without Him, without talking to Him throughout the day, without praising and thanking Him for His daily gifts, without loving Him and spending time with Him?
Things to ponder. He deserves to be number 1 in my life.
LET IT GROW
Christianity is a matter of one's attitude toward Jesus Christ. This choice stone, Jesus Christ, is valuable in that we honor, respect, and worship Him. He is the Chief Cornerstone and foundation of salvation for some. (Falwell)
He is the foundation of salvation. I like that, Brother Falwell.
To unbelievers, Jesus:
- is the stone they reject,
- has become a stone of stumbling,
- is a rock of offense and are offended by Him,
- causes them to stumble at the Word, and fall,
- is the cause of destruction for those who refuse to believe in Him.
Their feet strike against it, the Rock Jesus, because they are disobedient to God's message.
Christ is like a stone in the road that causes a traveler to fall. Unbelief is their disobedience, since the call of the gospel to repent and believe is a command from God. These were appointed to doom because of their disobedience and unbelief. Judgment on unbelief is as divinely appointed as salvation by faith. (MacArthur)
Am I helping others stop stumbling around and come to Jesus in repentance?
A I stumbling in my Christian walk because I am not obeying God's Word?
Is His Word offensive to me, so I don't read it nor apply it?
Do I pick and choose what part of the Christian path I want to walk on-promises, grace, mercy, yet don't give it to others?
Yes, His Word is a two-edged sword, cutting my soul to the quick.
LET IT GO
Be sure Jesus is the most precious thing to me.
Help others to not stumble over Jesus, but bring them to salvation in Him.
Make sure my words and actions do not cause people to stumble and prevent them from coming to Jesus because of my life.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Freedom
555. "Freedom" July 4, 2012
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:32
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me. John 14:6
Independence Day
LET IT GLOW
I hope you are spending your day with family and friends, dear one. As women, we are so busy cooking or preparing for picnics. So I am posting ahead, since I, too will be with others today. Just a few thoughts on our special day.
Thank God for our country where we are free to:
*have self-rule, not dictatorship,
*choose our way of worship,
*be able to worship God as we see fit and not the government requiring a certain religion,
*speak without inprisionment,
*have men and women protect our rights,
*help those in need,
*choose our jobs.
The list can continue. What do you have to be thankful for today?
LET IT GROW
I thank Christ for dying for me so I could be free from the penalty of my sins, for his forgiveness and mercy, for my friends who join my on my country road of faith, for my citizenship in heaven. So much to be thankful for today.
Romans 8:2 says, For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
John 8:36 says, If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
I want to live a life that is free from the ropes of sin which tie me down, defeated, worried. I want to soar like the eagle, above my problems, meeting them head on, not in a cage. Only through Jesus' cleansing blood can this be.
Friend, have you asked the Son of God, Jesus Christ, to forgive you of your sins today? This is the only way you can be free from them.
LET IT GO
Let go of those sins that bind me and keep me from being free in Christ.
Seek His forgivenss.
Live in His freedom.
Love in His freedom.
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:32
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me. John 14:6
Independence Day
LET IT GLOW
I hope you are spending your day with family and friends, dear one. As women, we are so busy cooking or preparing for picnics. So I am posting ahead, since I, too will be with others today. Just a few thoughts on our special day.
Thank God for our country where we are free to:
*have self-rule, not dictatorship,
*choose our way of worship,
*be able to worship God as we see fit and not the government requiring a certain religion,
*speak without inprisionment,
*have men and women protect our rights,
*help those in need,
*choose our jobs.
The list can continue. What do you have to be thankful for today?
LET IT GROW
I thank Christ for dying for me so I could be free from the penalty of my sins, for his forgiveness and mercy, for my friends who join my on my country road of faith, for my citizenship in heaven. So much to be thankful for today.
Romans 8:2 says, For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
John 8:36 says, If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
I want to live a life that is free from the ropes of sin which tie me down, defeated, worried. I want to soar like the eagle, above my problems, meeting them head on, not in a cage. Only through Jesus' cleansing blood can this be.
Friend, have you asked the Son of God, Jesus Christ, to forgive you of your sins today? This is the only way you can be free from them.
LET IT GO
Let go of those sins that bind me and keep me from being free in Christ.
Seek His forgivenss.
Live in His freedom.
Love in His freedom.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Mini Skirts
554. "Mini Skirts" July 3, 2012
1 Peter 2-Part 3
Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God, by Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:5
LET IT GLOW
"Isn't that dress too short?"Dad would ask me.
I am sorry to say, but as a teenager growing up in the 70's, I wore mini skirts. Oh, they weren't as short as some girls wore them, but they were welllllll above my knees. Dad put a limit on how high they could go up my leg, for which I am grateful now. So I used my freckle in the middle of my right leg as a guage in placing the hems. (Actually, that was too short, too.) But I had to make the length of my skirts acceptable to my father. That came to mind as I read what was acceptable to God, my Heavenly Father. I wanted to look a little closer at what pleases Him. Will you join me?
Hebrews 13:15-16 says, By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
What sacrifices pleases God today? What is a sacrifice?
Sacrifice, here, means a free gift; praise is a thank offering, a sacrifice of praise presented to God for some benefit received.(Thayer's Lexicon)
What kind of free gift can I give the God who owns everything? Praise and thanks is what He wants. His are innumerable-salvation, breath of life, unending love and forgiveness, mercy and grace, patience, and so much more. do good and share with others. Give to those in need and communicate with the poor. These acts are done in faith and spring from love.
LET IT GROW
Looking at our key verse, Wiersbe said, "Christians don't bring animal sacrifices as did the Old Testament worshippers, but we do have our own sacrifices to present to God."
These spiritual sacrifices are:
How often do I bring my sacrifices of praise to God? Are they acceptable to Him?
Having grown up, raised a daughter, and trying to please my Lord today, I don't wear mini skirts. (Just so you know.) My skirts are now well below the knees. (But I don't have a frickle to guage where to place the hem.) No only do I try to please Jesus with my appearance, but with my heart, also.
LET IT GO
Drop the criticism and grumpiness.
Praise and thank the Lord today with a grateful heart.
Throughout the day, continue to thank God for the little things and big things.
Sing His praises. Jesus is the Risen Savior that is alive!!!!!
1 Peter 2-Part 3
Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God, by Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:5
LET IT GLOW
"Isn't that dress too short?"Dad would ask me.
I am sorry to say, but as a teenager growing up in the 70's, I wore mini skirts. Oh, they weren't as short as some girls wore them, but they were welllllll above my knees. Dad put a limit on how high they could go up my leg, for which I am grateful now. So I used my freckle in the middle of my right leg as a guage in placing the hems. (Actually, that was too short, too.) But I had to make the length of my skirts acceptable to my father. That came to mind as I read what was acceptable to God, my Heavenly Father. I wanted to look a little closer at what pleases Him. Will you join me?
Hebrews 13:15-16 says, By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
What sacrifices pleases God today? What is a sacrifice?
Sacrifice, here, means a free gift; praise is a thank offering, a sacrifice of praise presented to God for some benefit received.(Thayer's Lexicon)
What kind of free gift can I give the God who owns everything? Praise and thanks is what He wants. His are innumerable-salvation, breath of life, unending love and forgiveness, mercy and grace, patience, and so much more. do good and share with others. Give to those in need and communicate with the poor. These acts are done in faith and spring from love.
LET IT GROW
Looking at our key verse, Wiersbe said, "Christians don't bring animal sacrifices as did the Old Testament worshippers, but we do have our own sacrifices to present to God."
These spiritual sacrifices are:
- my body as a living sacrifice (Rom. 12:1-2)
- praise of my lips (Heb. 13:15)
- good works done for others (Heb. 13:16)
- money and other material things (Phil 4:10-20)
- people won to Christ for His glory (Rom. 15:16)
- thanksgiving (Ps. 107:22, 116:17)
How often do I bring my sacrifices of praise to God? Are they acceptable to Him?
Having grown up, raised a daughter, and trying to please my Lord today, I don't wear mini skirts. (Just so you know.) My skirts are now well below the knees. (But I don't have a frickle to guage where to place the hem.) No only do I try to please Jesus with my appearance, but with my heart, also.
LET IT GO
Drop the criticism and grumpiness.
Praise and thank the Lord today with a grateful heart.
Throughout the day, continue to thank God for the little things and big things.
Sing His praises. Jesus is the Risen Savior that is alive!!!!!
Monday, July 2, 2012
Skipping Rocks
553. "Skipping Rocks" July 2, 2012
1 Peter 2-Part 2
To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:4-5
LET IT GLOW
As a child, I would play with rocks at the creek on my grandfather's farm. It is called Flint Creek because there are so many flint rocks along the creek bed. Now these are not just your ordinary rocks. They are white and flat, usually larger than my fist. I remember when my cousins would come during the hot summer, we all went to the creek to swim and play. Some of us would use these rocks as chalk to draw pictures. But there would always be a time when we tried to show off our ability to skip those flint rocks upstream across the top of the water. Of course, I could make mine skip at least 4 times, an achievement of which I was proud. (The secret is the twist of the wrist.) I thought about these special, unique rocks as I read our verses. Jesus is referred to as my Rock in Psalm 18:2, 31:3, 62:2, and 71:3.
Let's look into today's verses.
There is only one Savior, Jesus Christ, and only one spiritual building, the church. Jesus Christ is the chief cornerstone of the church (Eph. 2:20), binding the building togerther.
Peter describes Jesus as:
LET IT GROW
Peter, in verse 5, tells me to come to Jesus and:
LET IT GO
Keep Jesus as my Chief Corner Stone in my life.
Make sure He is my Rock when my life crumbles.
Be a living and lively stone in the church.
Bring spiritual sacrifices to Jesus.
.
1 Peter 2-Part 2
To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:4-5
LET IT GLOW
As a child, I would play with rocks at the creek on my grandfather's farm. It is called Flint Creek because there are so many flint rocks along the creek bed. Now these are not just your ordinary rocks. They are white and flat, usually larger than my fist. I remember when my cousins would come during the hot summer, we all went to the creek to swim and play. Some of us would use these rocks as chalk to draw pictures. But there would always be a time when we tried to show off our ability to skip those flint rocks upstream across the top of the water. Of course, I could make mine skip at least 4 times, an achievement of which I was proud. (The secret is the twist of the wrist.) I thought about these special, unique rocks as I read our verses. Jesus is referred to as my Rock in Psalm 18:2, 31:3, 62:2, and 71:3.
Let's look into today's verses.
There is only one Savior, Jesus Christ, and only one spiritual building, the church. Jesus Christ is the chief cornerstone of the church (Eph. 2:20), binding the building togerther.
Peter describes Jesus as:
- the living stone because He was raised from the dead and is alive forevermore (verse 4);
- a Chief Corner Stone (verses 6, Is. 28:16);
- rejected by men (verses 4, Ps.118:22);
- the chosen stone of the Father, held in honor and exalted by God (verse 4);
- precious to believers (verses 4, 7);
LET IT GROW
Peter, in verse 5, tells me to come to Jesus and:
- be like a living stone, a lively stone, that is being built up into a spiritual house (the church);
- become a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ;
- rest my faith on Jesus, thus having no reason to feel ashamed;
- have honor belonging to us as believers.
LET IT GO
Keep Jesus as my Chief Corner Stone in my life.
Make sure He is my Rock when my life crumbles.
Be a living and lively stone in the church.
Bring spiritual sacrifices to Jesus.
.
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